4 



72 STUDY AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA 



What may be deemed proof positive of goats' milk transmission is 

 the practical disappearance of the disease among the naval and mili- 

 tary forces of Malta, as the result of boiling the milk, while still con- 

 tinuing among native civilians not boiling their milk. Bassett-Smith 

 has noted that in 1905 there were 798 cases among civilians and 245 

 naval cases. In 1907 there were 457 cases among civilians and only 

 twelve cases in the naval forces. 



There are however occasional cases which Shaw has considered as due to carriers. 

 As the organisms are excreted in faeces as well as in urine, and as the course of the 

 disease is so protracted, as well as the convalescence, it would seem that the carrier 

 factor should be of more importance than facts would justify. 



Mohler has noted in Texas, where the disease has existed for 

 twenty-five years, that the Mexican goatherds boiled their milk and 

 hence were rarely infected. 



The souring of milk does not destroy the germs of the disease, hence transmission 

 may be brought about by butter and cheese. 



Malta fever was stamped out of Port Said by destroying'all infected goats. 



Infection may occur, i. by the stomach atrium (usual), 2. contam- 

 inated dust reaching lungs, 3. by subcutaneous infection. 



